“It’s time to do good.” This is the motto the New Apostolic Church issued for 2025. The Chief Apostle talks about it in detail in his annual New Year’s address, which has just been recorded. Here is a sneak preview with the co-star.
Dusty rose or orange? This is where opinions differ. What is definite is that Jean-Luc Schneider is wearing his best tie, following a warm recommendation. And the cameraman, Kevin, knows exactly where he last saw the tie: in Dessau in Germany during the filming of the second video presentation on our concept of ministry.
This time the recording is taking place in Zurich, Switzerland. Or rather, once again. Indeed, every time the team from around Munich and Frankfurt arrives at the international Church offices, the staff know that the end of the year is approaching, and it is time to focus on the coming year.
Language skills: three plus one
The tie dangles freely. The Chief Apostle is sitting at his desk, leaning forward slightly, and going through the manuscripts one more time. Here and there he changes a word. He knows exactly what he wants to say.
He is going to read the text in French, German, and English. French is the language he grew up with. His knowledge of German helped him win school competitions and got him a spot on a newspaper. And English he started to tackle in an intensive course when he was assigned as Chief Apostle Helper. Because English, according to his credo, is the language of the Church.
Spanish, the fourth language in which his New Year’s address will be produced, is not part of the international Church leader’s repertoire. And yet he is fluent in four languages. Alsatian is also his mother tongue.
Address, the tenth
The camera is rolling. A final check: how does the tie look? Ties can be tricky because they get into the habit of not staying in place and developing a life of their own when you talk with your hands and arms. Especially since the Chief Apostle is unusually relaxed this year.
He no doubt has some routine now. This is already his tenth New Year’s address. And on the technical side of things everything is running smoothly. The equipment was provided by the New Apostolic Church Switzerland. And the Communications department of the New Apostolic Church International is seeing to the recording, video editing, and its publication.
Record-breaking: under two hours
One hour and 45 minutes: the Chief Apostle broke his previous year’s record. Three languages with two to three takes each. The material is in the can. And the video editor can get to work.
For the Church president, the day’s work is only just beginning. The first signature folder appears on his desk as soon as the cameras are switched off. And then one meeting follows the next.
By the way, the tie is actually orange. At least this is the colour of the pattern on a silver background. Looking at it from a distance it all blends into a shimmering dusty rose. So everyone was right, sort of.
